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Cowboys acquire QB Trey Lance from 49ers

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The Dallas Cowboys’ roster cutdown day might have just gotten a little more complicated.

In a surprise trade, the Cowboys and San Francisco 49ers have agreed to terms that would bring QB Trey Lance to the Lone Star State.

ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter broke the news late Friday afternoon, originally stating it would be a mid-round pick.

Shortly thereafter, NFL Insider Ian Rapaport followed up that report with news that it would be a 4th round pick.

Dallas would also assume the $6.25 million left on Lance’s contract over the next two seasons.

What Does This Mean For Trey Lance?

Lance will earn a fresh start to his NFL career under the tutelage of Head Coach Mike McCarthy and Quarterbacks Coach Scott Tolzien.

The North Dakota State University product is entering his third season as the third overall pick by the 49ers in the 2021 NFL Draft.

In two seasons, he has started a total of four games, and has a record of 2-2.

His stats during those games don’t jump off of the page at anyone.

He has averaged 54.9% completions, but his average actually dropped from his rookie year to his sophomore season.

Lance has five touchdown passes to three interceptions, and has also contributed 235 yards rushing and one rushing touchdown.

His 14.2 yards per completion average is encouraging, and is likely a trait along with his athleticism that caught Mike McCarthy’s eye.

Lance played only one game in his Covid-19 shortened senior season in the FCS, and has less than 500 pass attempts total in the past five years.

He fell out of favor in San Francisco this offseason during a three way quarterback competition closely monitored by 49ers Head Coach Kyle Shanahan.

San Francisco brought in former number one overall pick Sam Darnold, who eventually won the backup quarterback job behind incumbent starter Brock Purdy.

What can the Cowboys work on before next weeks game?
ARLINGTON, TEXAS – DECEMBER 26: Head coach Mike McCarthy of the Dallas Cowboys looks on during pregame warm-ups prior to a game against the Washington Football Team at AT&T Stadium on December 26, 2021 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images)

What Does This Mean For Dallas?

For starters, this gives them a project quarterback, something Mike McCarthy is notorious for during his coaching career.

It also appears his current project, Will Grier, has seen his last action as a quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys.

Grier was widely expected to wrestle away the backup quarterback job from Cooper Rush last offseason before a groin injury slowed his momentum.

Filling in for an injured Dak Prescott, Rush led Dallas to a 4-1 record, and earned a contract extension this offseason that cemented him as the backup to Prescott.

Grier had a chance to challenge for that spot again this offseason, but couldn’t take advantage of the opportunity.

Dak Prescott on team growth: "First time in my career... consecutive seasons are building."
Cowboys QB Dak Prescott

What Does This Mean For Dak Prescott?

Currently, it’s barely a ripple in the water, but it may mean something for the future.

The Cowboys have been vocal about working on a contract extension for Prescott, but the addition of a top five pick like Lance may put a hold on that.

Many are saying this is a prove it season for Prescott, as the Cowboys have taken an all-in approach to put talent around him for a Super Bowl run.

Should Prescott not be able to lead the charge, it could signal the end for him in Dallas if Lance can develop under new coaching.

Mario Herrera Jr.

Staff Writer

Mario Herrera Jr. is a husband, a father of three, and he has been a Dallas Cowboys fan since 1991. He's a stats guy, although stats don't always tell the whole story. Writing about the Dallas Cowboys is his passion. Dak Prescott apologist.

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